HOUSTON (AP) — Department store operator Stage Stores Inc. said Thursday that revenue at stores open at least a year climbed 1.2 percent in December, helped by sales in cosmetics, footwear and home and gifts, among other categories.
This figure is a key indicator of a retailer's health because it excludes results from stores recently opened or closed. The Houston company also said sales were helped by increases in children's, juniors and petites categories during the month.
Total revenue for the five weeks that ended Dec. 31 climbed nearly 3 percent to $274 million. The company said its cold-weather initiative was not as successful as anticipated because the weather was warmer than usual.
Revenue so far in the fourth quarter is up 3.4 percent to $395 million.
Stage Stores runs 821 stores in 40 states under the Bealls, Goody's, Palais Royal, Peebles, Stage and Steele's names.
